Hi all! My name is Patience Salgado…I am a kindness worker, birth photographer and writer living in an old gray house in Richmond, Virginia. I hate writing bios more than anything in the entire world…it feels weird having a get-to-know you without hearing your story, your life, your answers too.
…but here goes with the most important stuff:
I live with my most dear and kind partner Jorge (I think partner is a better word than husband). We have an old love that is messy, real and is always changing. Jorge grounds me and is the kindest person I know.
I have 4 kids that are just good people and I am so grateful I get to be in a family with them every day. Josiah (13), Jack (11), Lucy (8) and Lyra (5) are funny, wise, caring and occasionally make me crazy but have taught me more than I knew was possible.
I am emotional and intense….and not nearly as gentle and chill as I hoped.
I feel and care really deeply, which can be both amazing and dangerous.
I am totally in love with the idea that we can be connected through random and not-so-random AND anonymous and not-so-anonymous acts of kindness.
I have been blogging since 2001- first with an online journal, then a blog called Playfulmama in 2004 which then changed to KindnessGirl in 2007. After years of doing small acts of kindness here and there, I finally documented my first guerrilla goodness mission in August of 2007, things just kind of blew the heck up from there. Thousands of folks have been part of spreading kindness all over the world with KindnessGirl over the years. (this still makes me shake my head in surprise, bliss and joy every time I think about it) …you can also find me blogging for Huffington Post and writing for GRID occasionally, and previously at PBSParents.org and RVANews .
I love strangers…and sharing a moment with someone I may never see again. Sometimes it feels like the whole world is a friend.
I want other people to feel at home in this space, in the midst of all the goodness and broken places. I think being who we really are brings us much closer together than trying to be something we think we should be…kindness finds us there.
I am drawn every day to creating new kindness ideas, posts, campaigns and projects that will meet us in the center of who we are and take us further outside of ourselves than we imagined.
I believe with my whole heart that kindness changes everything…and every time I have ever doubted this idea, I test it and once again, I am shocked by its’ truth.
Almost all the kindness that has unfolded on this blog came from a story, a need or new epiphany that helped shape or heal me, or was an outlet from my crazy head or full heart. Here are just a few:
The Great Day of Garbage Gratitude
The Magic Wand Projects (for Kids) (for cities)
The Wheel of Kindness – a project with the teens of Art 180 I was honored to be part of
I want to be part of art and kindness creating change and connecting people. I want to be part of kindness that lets strangers and my community know there is joy and love in the world …. that they are cared for and not alone…and invite them to pass it on around the globe . I want to be brave and kind. This is the call of my life.
So now you must leave your bio in the comments…tell me who you are and what/who you care for…and what you wish for the world…or even just for you. I’d love to hear…
Hey…If you think we should be Facebook friends or Twitter geeks or Instagram photo lovahs together, please friend or follow, it would make my day! You can also reach me at patience@kindnessgirl.com.
Kindnessgirl 
June 8, 2012 at 8:14 am
Beautifully done, Patience. I feel like all the people who aren’t as lucky as I am to know you personally can get a little taste of just how authentically awesome you are. Big hugs my friend! 🙂
June 8, 2012 at 9:31 am
Patience,
You are a living example of how “little things mean a lot.” You inspire me to continue looking for opportunities to show and express kindness, whether it be in person or online. We’re given opportunities every day to minister to the needs of others, all we need do is keep our eyes and ears focused, then we’re automatically in a position to respond.
I’m a retired Banker with a 30 yr career. I remember complimenting a special customer one time about how her profession enabled her to ‘help so many…change so many lives’. Her response was, “You do that every day from where you sit because of the way you deal with people.”
Without a doubt, that was my favorite compliment…my goal is to continue to make it true.
So glad Jenna led me to you! Keep up the great work that is so YOU!
~J Gail
June 8, 2012 at 11:14 am
Patience, it’s perfect! I actually found you on Pinterest and so glad that I did. I look forward to your Facebook posts and blogs everyday because the connection I feel to a lot of what you say makes me say, “I get that…I know what you mean!”
A little about me….I’m 42, a bit on the sassy side (both a blessing and a curse!), but I love to laugh and feel that without a sense of humor, life would be quite mundane. My favorite sayings are, “this too shall pass” and “it is what it is”…they remind me that most often what plagues us can be trivial and that we are put on this earth for more than just worry….because I’m a worrier and I’ve had to teach myself (everyday) to let go and let God. I’m married to a hardworking, patient man and together we have an amazingly spirited 6 year old daughter, Olivia. More than anyone in this world, that child has taught me more patience, strength and perseverance than I knew I had….she is pure joy!
Thank you for being YOU! And thank you for sharing in your journey with all of us!
~Tambra
June 9, 2012 at 9:35 am
Patience – it’s ladies like you that restore my faith in the world, and make me extremely proud to be a girl. You couldn’t be more right when you say that kindness changes everything – it truly does… if only more people knew. Your kindness mission is overwhlemingly inspirational to me, and it’s my wish that someday I’m able to make the world a better place, just like you have.
I’m Shani – just a fashion kid casually trying to change the world, one dress at a time… i like smiling. i think i’m an eternal optimist. i’m a kid trapped in this grown up body. i rock a lot of polka dots. i fall over a lot. bambi legs. yellow’s my fave. all i want to do is make a difference in someone’s life.
At present, i blog at http://www.girlwiththewhiteballoon.blogspot.com (you might remember!) which is dedicated to raising awareness of fashion linking with charity, and helping as many people as possible in the process.
As always, I can’t wait for your next post. Your voice really speaks to me as a writer, and your heartfelt words always make me feel like no matter what, everything will be ok :o)
Love,
the girl with the white balloon
xo
June 9, 2012 at 9:37 am
p.s that was meant to be a smiley at the end. oops!
😀
xo
June 11, 2012 at 10:48 am
[…] I finally, after much resistance, added an “about me” page. I decided it would be SOoooo much better if it was about US….so please head on over there, […]
June 11, 2012 at 11:11 am
Hi Patience and all you “Kindness” people: My names Cindy. Getting ready to face the 5 0 this year. I am the mother of two sons and two step sons. I’m an army mom. My youngest son AJ is in the army. Last February I finally got to end the long year of him being in Afghanistan. I have to admit, that was the longest year in my life, but he’s stationed in San Antonio now and getting ready to start school to be a lab technician. Yeah! No more Tanks! I found my way to Patience through Oprah.com and I’m so glad I did. Patience, you just radiate kindness and good and I try to be like you and spread the love all the time. I’m a big empathizer, which you would think would be a good thing, but unfortunately, it leaves me open for a lot of bitter people to take advantage of, but I’m learning. I’m most definitely a work in progress and that is one more reason I’m glad to have found all of you! It’s nice to know you aren’t alone, when you get those feelings of indecisiveness, being overwhelmed, etc. Keep the kindness going everyone! ~Cindy
June 11, 2012 at 11:13 am
Ooops, just reread what I posted. I don’t take advantage of bitter people, they take advantage of me…
June 18, 2012 at 7:39 am
I’ve nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. If you choose to accept the rules are posted on my blog: http://geniespeaks.wordpress.com/2012/06/18/one-lovely-blog-award-4. If you choose not to accept, just know that I enjoy your blog.
July 25, 2012 at 1:28 pm
I enjoy your blog and all of your ideas. I nominated you for the “One Lovely Blog Award.” Check out the details here: http://thecoffeeclubandme.wordpress.com/
November 6, 2012 at 10:33 am
You are a gift from heaven. I wish there were many more people like you. My name is Sydnie. I have been married for 2 1/2 years and have a 2 1/2 year old son. He is my world. My goal in life is to help others and to teach him to help others. Just to volunteer a little time to a shelter or even something as simple as giving blood to save a life. My mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Ive never witnessed an outpouring of love and support for one person because she is amazing. She has touched so many lives with her love and kindness and generosity. She is now fighting for her life again because she now has lung cancer. She has raised four of the most amazing kids. The world is a little brighter because of people like her and you. I can only strive to be like that and to teach my family generosity, kindness and love for family, friends and total strangers alike. Thanks for being you.
April 16, 2013 at 9:56 pm
Hello Patience,
I came across your blog by accident but I’m really happy that I did. I love the message that you send through your blog. One thing that makes me really upset ( I almost thought to write angry, but I’m not really angry, I’m sad and disappointed) is ignorance. In addition, I think people should strive to be good and kind to one another. If individuals could for one moment attempt to put themselves in another’s shoes (and I mean really, really try) they would see that every other human on this wonderful planet Earth is very much just like him/herself. Understanding and accepting each other is the answer (in my humble opinion) to ‘peace on Earth’ (sorry to use the cliche). Black, white, homosexual, heterosexual, Muslim, Catholic, American, Iranian… we are all people with different beliefs and different cultural upbringings but that does NOT mean we can’t love and learn to not only accent but cherish the differences among us. Instead of hate, show love. That is the answer.
April 23, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Hi Patience, I had the pleasure of hearing you talk today at the SHRM conference at The Homestead. I also meet you after, I am the one with a daughter named Lucy, she is 8 years old. What really struck me as I was sharing your story is what an incredible example you have made for your children, and how they are part of your mission. Thank you for your kind words of wisdom, I am very motivated to start sharing kindness in my world. God Bless you and your family.
June 13, 2013 at 9:32 am
I am so happy to have found you! What a wonderful blog. Kindness is Key, and Compassion is what I strive for!
October 11, 2013 at 8:15 am
[…] has been for Patience Salgado and in her latest blog post she is offering her love and support to anyone who needs a little bit […]
December 27, 2013 at 12:24 am
Patience, (What a lovely name)
It’s been a while since I visited your sweet and touching blog. Your posts are so inspiring! I’ve written my very first (I think) blog today about a big project I’m undertaking. It’s too lengthy and detailed to go into here, but I hope you will come check it out for yourself.
http://chemocomfortaccessories.wordpress.com/
Cyber Hugs,
Becki Pavlik
January 8, 2014 at 11:13 pm
Hi Patience! I’ve resolved to visit and comment on a new blog about kindness and positivity each day of 2014 and to keep a list on my own blog as a kindness resource for my readers. I’m glad I found your site; your projects and enthusiasm are wonderful! Keep on bringing light to the world!
January 9, 2014 at 5:54 pm
I am enjoying your blog so much. I would like to share with you my blog, and add you to my Random Kindness Blog Tour. https://aprojectforkindness.wordpress.com/random-kindness-blog-tour/ which shines the spotlight on blogs whose authors contribute to happiness in the world by maintaining a consistent positive focus. I got the idea from Meg Evans and the funny thing is, as I am writing this, I just saw that she commented right above my own!! I guess it was meant to be!!
February 7, 2014 at 1:35 pm
[…] Photo: Kindness Girl […]
February 10, 2014 at 12:04 pm
Hi Patience,
I spent an hour or so with you Saturday at St James. What fun you are and such an inspiration . You made kindness feel so close at hand and so easy to share. Thank you for your zest for living and sharing your goodness. I shall try to model my days after those special ones you shared, and try to find ways to be kind in fun ways, and unexpected ways! Bless you and your energy and may I find a way to shadow that in some small way. Thank you!!!
November 25, 2014 at 3:27 pm
[…] RVA Creates: Who are you and what do you do? Patience Salgado: My name is Patience Salgado, I am a kindness worker, photographer and social impact artist here in town. You can find more about some of the projects I have done here. […]
December 25, 2014 at 2:05 am
Hi Patience! I found you thru GRID magazine. What a wonderful life you have. We are so much alike. I took a different career road but I love photography and writing and talking to just about anyone and most of all being nice. It’s our family motto – “Be Nice”. Those 2 words are so encompassing and I’ve tried to lead by example for my children and the kids I’ve had a chance to influence in my life. I also love to laugh and joke around and my kids and husband and animal family are a joy. I have a weakness for saying yes to chocolate, diet coke, craft projects and lost causes.
The world can be such a mean and scary place, but really, it’s just so easy for anyone to do something nice and it doesn’t cost anything. A smile, a kind word, holding the door, saying please and thank you, a “thinking of you” note, bringing up your neighbors trashcan in the rain, anything so simple…. It’s so easy to teach the kids when they are young. I hope with all my heart my kids (who are now teenage boys in high school) will feel called to volunteer and help others when they can. If not, as long as they remember all their manners and continue to respect people and share kindness and niceness then I will be happy.
January 16, 2015 at 12:20 pm
Oh, sorry, Patience! I’ve found how to write your name under the picture! Hope You understand what I mean)
July 30, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Just came across your site and really enjoyed your energy. Love your outlook on life and I’ll definitely be returning. Thanks for making me smile.
January 8, 2016 at 5:14 pm
I just found you and love the idea you are sharing. Your bio is well done too… congrats! Not an easy thing to write I agree! I crave kindness and people showing me they care but but it’s not something one can demand. I don’t have enough of it. I’m very good at giving however and give often.
April 24, 2016 at 3:17 am
Good Morning Patience. Davidruble5596@gmail.com
It is people like you that make this great country a wonderful place to live. I am a Christian.
God Bless You
June 23, 2017 at 10:32 pm
wow youre a christian youre so unique and special……. whats the point of saying that do you feel better? lol you like the religious extremists minus being violent and insane … too opinionated and self righteous sounding .
June 23, 2017 at 10:30 pm
HI Your awesome. love and all the best from some random stranger. 🙂 all the best to your fam